While many studies suggest that Indian Untouchables do not entirely share the hierarchical values characteristic of the caste system, Michael Moffatt argues that the most striking feature of the lowest castes is their pervasive cultural consensus with those higher in the system. Though rural Untouchables question their particular position in the system, they seldom question the system as a whole, and they maintain among themselves a set of hierarchical conceptions and institutions virtually identical to those of the dominant social order.
Based on fourteen months of fieldwork with Untouchable castes in two villages in Tamil Nadu, south India, Professor Moffatt's analysis specifies ways in which the Untouchables are both excluded and included by the higher castes. Ethnographically, he pursues his structural analysis in two related domains: Untouchable social structure, and Untouchable religious belief and practice.
The author finds that in those aspects of their lives where Untouchables are excluded from larger village life, they replicate in their own community nearly every institution, role, and ranked relation from which they have been excluded. Where the Untouchables are included by the higher castes, they complete the hierarchical whole by accepting their low position and playing their assigned roles. Thus the most oppressed members of Indian society are often among the truest believers in the system.
Originally published in 1979.
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Nice clean used book with no marks or significant DJ splits. Seller Inventory # SKU1008874
Book Description Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. No Dust Jacket A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Seller Inventory # M04OS-01712
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.25. Seller Inventory # G0691093776I3N00
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 323pp.incl.index; HB brwns.w/gilt; slight rub w/some sun on edge; clean,tight pgs. DJ yellow w/brwn. ; edges&spine sunned. Based on 14 months of fieldwork w/Untouchable castes in 2 villages in Tamil Nadu, south India. Seller Inventory # 007461
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